III. Yoshino

She's finally back in her home country after five years. She hates it. The moment she step in the airport soil, she regret on making the decision to come back. Being back brings back all the unpleasant memories of her past, which make her, frown and ball her fist. Nevertheless, she just wishes she would be able to stay low and avoid any unwanted attention and problem.

Of course, knowing that the charity ball would be tomorrow, she can't help but pray hard her worst nightmare won't come true that day. After building the foundation two years ago, Ruka never shown herself, not even to the undertaker of the foundation she entrusted, Mr. Smith. She mostly sent a voicemail or and video with blurred face. It was not before six months ago when her grandfather asked her about the foundation and he said that it was the proper time to introduce herself to everyone. It's a good opportunity he said. So she did what he wants and here she is.

Opting out to drive instead of being driven around, she took a drive around the familiar neighborhood with her sleek, black, Lamborghini. After what seems like hours, she finally stood in front of the familiar path she used to walk on every single day in the morning five years ago. The scorching sun greeted her as soon as she steps out of her car. The pathway was empty, maybe because everyone is still in class. Purposefully she strides in the pathway as if she walks for a runaway show. She stops in front of the familiar Maria statue for a moment before resuming her walk.

As she stands in front of the glass house, she felt all the unwanted feeling surging in, hitting her like an impending wave. She was so fixated in her own thought that she fails to notice someone was standing by watching her.

"Are you a visitor?"

The familiar voice was like lightning to Ruka ears. Turning her heel she face the person who called out to her and for a second her eyes widen in shock. Lucky enough the latter didn't notice any of this as the thick, black sunglasses hide her eyes. She knows the person in front of her. Know would probably an understatement, she know the latter inside out but that was five years ago.

"Excuse me? Are you a foreigner?"

"I'm sorry, I was just lost in my own thought. I am."

For a brief moment the latter eyes was widen in shock before she responded back to her.

"This area are not open for visitor Miss."

"My apology, this school is really big that I started to get lost."

"Well I'll let this slide, perhaps I could help you? I'm a teacher here."

"No it's okay, I know my way because I'm a student here five years ago. I'm your best friend!" Was what Ruka was thinking. Naturally, she couldn't say any of that, because a death person shouldn't be alive and walking.

"That would be a great help Ms…."

"Shimazu Yoshino."

"Ms Shimazu, I'm Ruka. Would you kindly show me the way to the dean office?"

"Do you know the principal?"

This girl didn't changed at all, so curious at other people life. Inwardly Ruka smile to herself.

"Perhaps."

They walk side by side, not uttering any words. Once in awhile Ruka glance at the girl beside her and smile, thankful that she's fine and healthy. For a moment, she felt like she is still a student here and is walking with her best friend. For once, since she step out of the plane, she felt a familiar warmth and bittersweet feeling, instead of anger and sorrow she have felt before. The girl beside her, was after all, was once the source of her strength.

They were partner in crime, though she was not as mischievous as Yoshino. They were always in the same class and she was the first friend she comes to treasure so much. They've been through a lot and she really holds her dear, even until now. It was a pity she couldn't tell her who she is. For she was no longer the same person she was five years ago nor were she the same person the latter remember as her best friend.

"We're here. Just knock before you come in. It was nice meeting you Ruka-san."

"It was my pleasure ."

"There you go again with your Ms."

"I'm sorry, it's a habit."

"I see. Please take care and don't get lost again Ruka-san."

"I'll try. Thank you."

She watches the fading figures waiting for the latter to be completely out of sight before opening the door of the dean office. She didn't plan any visit so it was not a surprised to see the shocked face of the dean.

"Hanazawa-sama? How-"

"Things…happen." She smile wryly and the old lady in front of her.

It was maybe two years ago since she decided to start supporting her old school after finding out that her grandmother was also an alumnus of Lilian. Despite not wanting anything involving her past, in respect for her grandmother, she started to support the school by donating a lot of money and becoming the board of chairman.

"Nothing has change."

"Yes, after all this is our tradition."

She smile unknowingly to herself and her brief visit was cut short from the ring of her phone, an indication that it's time for her to leave. She was a busy woman after all.

"I need to leave now. I'll keep in touch with you as always principal. Don't hesitate to call me if something happen concerning the school."

"Of course Hanazawa-sama. Please be safe on your way back."

She walks down the familiar path, where tons of memories were made. Bittersweet, happy, anger, disappointment, rejoice, relived, a pool of mix emotion. A past she wanted to run away from, but it's hanging on to her like an excess baggage, as if tying her down, preventing her to move. She know, to be able to completely move on, she need to face her fear, for once and for all.

Writer Notes: Well, as promised it's an update! Since college are starting again tomorrow, I'm not so sure I'll be able to update regularly. Anyway, thanks for reading and really appreciate it if you leave a review. See you next chapter!